Mel Ainscow leads Welsh schools challenge

24 Apr 2014

Academic scoops prestigious education post

Professor Mel Ainscow (CBE) is to be the Welsh Government’s new champion for Schools Challenge Cymru, Education Minister Huw Lewis has announced.

Schools Challenge Cymru is the Welsh Government’s multi-million, flagship improvement programme to increase performance in around 40 Welsh schools operating in the most challenging circumstances.

Professor Ainscow will provide knowledge, expertise, quality assurance and support to the Schools Challenge Cymru initiative.

Huw Lewis said: “As Chief Adviser for the Greater Manchester Challenge between 2007 and 2011, Mel Ainscow is the perfect ambassador for our challenge programme.

“His understanding of the Welsh education landscape will be invaluable as we develop our exciting and innovative improvement initiative, Schools Challenge Cymru.

“Mel has worked as a local education authority inspector and lecturer at the University of Cambridge and has worked successfully with a number of regions and schools in Wales to drive improvements in standards and performance. He is currently Professor of Education and co-director of the Centre for Equity in Education at Manchester University.

“Critical to the success of the Schools Challenge Cymru programme will be the appointment of high quality individuals, like Mel Ainscow, who have a proven record in transforming education for children and young people. On Monday, I announced a UK wide recruitment campaign to identify around ten Schools Challenge Cymru Advisers to work with Regional Consortia to support this agenda.

“I’m delighted that Mel has taken on this important role – I’m sure that his knowledge and expertise will be invaluable in taking our challenge programme forward.”